Alton On The Spot puts you on the spot, with what's hot and what's not in the wonderful world of art and creativity. From the galleries and the museums, the runways and the airwaves, the streets and the stages - I seek the beauty of inspiration, high and low, anywhere and everywhere I can find it.

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

The
book project which I had the pleasure of working on this past spring in
LA with the great guys from the Tom Of Finland Foundation, and
Rizzoli. Available now for pre-order.

RELEASE DATE: 8th March 2016 PRE-ORDER NOW: http://amzn.to/1T1OkGS
An immersive glimpse into the private, domestic world of one of the
twentieth century’s most revolutionary artists. Nestled in a leafy,
residential section of Los Angeles is
the house where Tom of Finland (Touko Laaksonen, Finnish, 1920–1991)
lived and worked during the last decade of his life. It is an
extraordinary place—part shrine, part haven, part art-historical
archive, and part utopian collective. For additional insight, the
revelatory photographs are paired with rarely seen preparatory drawings. Hardcover, 256 pages, Published by Rizzoli New York By Michael Reynolds (Author), Martyn Thompson (Photographer) and Mayer Rus (Contributor).

Friday, December 4, 2015

Portrait of James Surls (Artist Unknown) photo taken by Alton DuLaney October 2015 in Splendora

The Contemporary Art Museum in Houston recently hosted a reading by Pete Gershon from his upcoming book titled "Pow
Wow: Contemporary Artists in Houston 1972-1985." Gershon discusses at
length the burgeoning contemporary art scene in Houston during the
1970's and 1980's and the artist that contributed to that movement.

Pete Gershon speaking at the CAM Houston, photo taken by Alton DuLaney October 2015

It was fascinating to hear the tales of a bygone era
in the Houston art-world, and especially to hear Gershon repeatedly
mention the importance of famed Texas artist James Surls, who as Gershon
describes, "the
chainsaw-wielding
Surls established the Lawndale Annex as a largely unsupervised outpost
of the University of Houston’s Art Department. Inside this dirty,
cavernous warehouse, a new generation of Houston artists found itself
and flourished." Fascinating for me, because for all those years Surls
was based in the sleepy little town of Splendora, some 30 miles north of
the Houston Art's District (which was not even called that yet!).

Splendora is also my
home town. And I grew up just a few miles from Surls' fabled studio, and
spent my teenage years working there as an intern.

Splendora Gallery Award photo taken by Alton DuLaney October 2015 in Splendora

Under the tutelage of
James Surls, we started the Splendora Gallery, a short lived art space
that exposed the locals to art and vice versa. Above, an original award
sponsored by Splendora Gallery.After the CAM talk, James invited me out to meet him at his studio, to talk of things that went and things to come.

The James Surls Studio photo taken by Alton DuLaney October 2015 in Splendora

Nestled in the piney
woods of Splendora, is Surls 13,000 square feet studio. Surls lived and
worked in Splendora from 1977-1997, when he and his family relocated to
Colorado. The studio, under the watchful eye of a caretaker, has sat
silently amongst the trees for almost 20 years. Returning to the space
recently, after all that time, was almost like visiting a time capsule.

The Surls Studio interior photo taken by Alton DuLaney October 2015 in Splendora

Once upon a time this
space hosted events, performances, exhibits, and birthed some incredible
art projects and ideas, including a whole volume of Surls work.

James Surls "Splendora Years" photo by Alton DuLaney

There is even a great book published of the era, called "Splendora
Years" which contains images of the work he produced there in the
Splendora Studio.

The Surls Studio interior photo taken by Alton DuLaney October 2015 in Splendora

Years later, the studio sits practically empty, ready for its second
act. Fortunately, years later, several of Surls' seven daughters are
ready to breath new life into the space. And fortunate for me, I too am
back in Splendora and ready to fan the creative flames.

James Surls studio detail, photo taken by Alton DuLaney October 2015 in Splendora

Lurking in every corner, there is an ancient memory, a piece of a
sculpture or a remnant of a performance, just sitting there quietly
gathering dust, as the sun peers through over-sized windows. Above, one
of Surls' famous flower petals.

A James Surls sculpture in the studio, photo taken by Alton DuLaney October 2015 in Splendora

While Surls' career has spanned decades, his style has remained
distinguishable, with elements like home, wood, trees, eyes, axes,
needles, and flowers always appearing in his work.

A James Surls sculpture in the studio, photo taken by Alton DuLaney October 2015 in Splendora

Stacked in corners and suspended from the rafters, a history of his work
stands the test of time, silent sentinels watching over his kingdom.

A James Surls sculpture in the studio, photo taken by Alton DuLaney October 2015 in Splendora

Looking like alien trees, or ancient tools of torture, Surls' work
seamlessly flows between the natural world and the art world,
incorporating elements of both.

The Surls Studio, back porch, photo taken by Alton DuLaney October 2015 in Splendora

On the back porch, where long conference tables once entertained Texas
art royalty, a modern-day American Gothic unfolds without the slightest
hint of irony or pretense, now graced only by an ambitious spider or an
ornery dirt-dobber.

A James Surls sculpture reclaimed by nature, photo taken by Alton DuLaney October 2015 in Splendora

Scattered amid the pine trees, one might come across the remains of a
long-lost sculpture, like this one, actively being reclaimed by nature.
Famously, this sculpture was once set on fire, by another artist who did
not approve of Surls' rise in fame and regard.

A James Surls sculpture at the studio, photo taken by Alton DuLaney October 2015 in Splendora

The Surls compound covers hundreds of acres of thick woods. Around the
studio grounds, art camouflages in with its surroundings. This metal
spiral looks as if it could have grown right where it sits.

A James Surls sculpture in front of the studio, photo taken by Alton DuLaney October 2015 in Splendora

Some pieces, as part of series, are immediately recognizable, and still
hold their magic, though they have suffered the ravages of time.

The James Surls original studio, photo taken by Alton DuLaney October 2015 in Splendora

Even the original studio, a mere tin building, still stands, and now houses the grounds-keeper.

Now, all these years later, the studio is ready to be reborn as a
cultural gathering point and artistic incubator. Surls and his
daughters, are now working to create a lasting legacy for the artist and
his work and his family. In many ways it is an exciting time to live in
Splendora, and as always, it is great to call such an accomplished
artist, a mentor, an inspiration, and a friend!

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

This past weekend I had the pleasure to attend and
participate in Gail Chovan's 18th annual fashion event called SCAR in
Austin, Texas. I have been involved with her shows since their inception
in 1998, to greater or lesser degrees. This year, being based in Texas,
gave me easy access to the event, and I got to spend more time with the
designer before, during, and after the show, as well as contribute to
the design and styling of the event.

Gail Chovan has dedicated her life to the Art of
Fashion. She studied fashion design in Paris, before moving to Austin,
Texas 20 years ago. In Austin, she has became a fashion legend, starting
the iconic boutique Blackmail in 1997, and having held annual fashion
shows ever year since. She now shows her collection at the Void Showroom
in Paris, and at various boutiques around the world, including
Blackmail on South Congress Avenue, in Austin.

At the Gail Chovan Atelier in Austin, photograph by Alton DuLaney November 2015

The Gail Chovan Atelier on South 1st Street in Austin
is a hubbub of activity and creative chaos. I arrived the morning of
the show and the team was scrambling to get all the last minute
adjustments completed.

At the Gail Chovan Atelier in Austin, photograph by Alton DuLaney November 2015

Chovan's
team includes design assistants, interns, stichers, hair and make up
team, set designers, production designers, and numerous other creative
consultants such as myself.

There was also a documentary team there from NYC, Stylelikeu, http://stylelikeu.com/
who are working on a documentary of Gail Chovan's life and art, and
that of her husband Evan Voyles. The team has been following and
documenting Gail for over a year now.

I was put in charge of the pool installation, which
involved rigging a cat walk and modeling platform suspended over a pool
on the grounds. Gail's son Creed helped me style the space with scraps
of fabrics, pieces of patterns, and eucalyptus before bringing out the
model.

The
main fashion show started exactly at dusk. To the musical accompaniment
of a saw, the models made their way across the lawn, surrounded by
candles and hundreds of fashionistas, buyers, fans, and guests, who came
to see the show. The collection was a celebration of the imperfect,
with unfinished edges, raw and jagged cuts, grafting fabrics, and other
fashion techniques employed to highlight the nature of scarring. Chovan
herself is a breast-cancer survivor and wears the scars of her double
mastectomy proudly across her chest, visible in her plunging necklines
and low cut, transparent gowns.

Gail's
family sat on the front row, other guests sat on carpets or stood to
get a better view. Afterwards, a round of thunderous applause was
followed by champagne fueled mingling about the grounds and within the
three-story home.

Gail Chovan, fashion maven, in Austin Texas.

The response was positive, and the press, both in Paris and in Austin, was supportive. All in all another very successful show.

Gail Chovan teaching fashion design at the University of Texas in Austin, Texas

The next morning, I got to discuss the challenges of
living a creative life and producing art with Gail at her office and
classroom at the University of Texas in Austin, Texas, where she teaches
design.

Gail Chovan is not only a dedicated designer, but an inspiration to many.

The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) in Detroit photographed by Alton DuLaney November 2015

Located in Detroit, Michigan, the Detroit Institute
of Arts, or the DIA, is considered one of the top museums in the USA,
with over 650,000 square feet of exhibit space, and a collection of over
65,000 works valued at over 8 billion dollars.

Diego Rivera at the DIA photographed by Alton DuLaney November 2015

The museum is famous for a few things, among them it
was the first museum to purchase a Van Gogh in the USA. But more famous
than the Van Gogh, is the Diego Rivera frescos titled, Detroit Industry,
that celebrates Detroit's industrial and automotive past in Rivera's
signature muralistic style. The installation fills the upper and lower
levels of the grand marble court of the museum, and is a powerful
testament and tribute to Rivera and the Motor City.

Picasso at DIA photographed by Alton DuLaney November 2015

Leger at DIA photographed by Alton DuLaney November 2015

The museum also has a great collection of the
masters, from Picasso to Van Gogh to Oldenburg to Giacometti to Leger.
Everything you would expect from a world class museum.

Albers at DIA photographed by Alton DuLaney November 2015

There was also a great collection of some of my
favorite "cubist" art pieces - that is artist that use cubes or other
geometric shapes in their work. Joseph Albers is always a favorite, with
his subtle hues.

Duchamp at DIA photographed by Alton DuLaney November 2015

This piece with no title or visible marks on the
canvas is a minimalist conceptual piece by Marcel Duchamp. Clearly he
loved a good concept. And so do I.

Rothkoat DIA photographed by Alton DuLaney November 2015

Mark Rothko is always lovely to behold, with his vibrant colors and graphic compositions.

Stella at DIA photographed by Alton DuLaney November 2015

Frank Stella jumps off the wall with bold colors and strong shapes in this rare 2-d piece.

Judd at DIA photographed by Alton DuLaney November 2015

And being from Texas, I have to give a shout out to
Marfa's favorite adopted son, Donald Judd, whose metal lit boxes seduce
the viewer with light and shadow.

Warhol at DIA photographed by Alton DuLaney November 2015

In addition to the cubes, there are representations
from some of my favorite experimentally conceptual artist, including the
omnipresent Andy Warhol, above.

Koons at DIA photographed by Alton DuLaney November 2015

Jeff Koons can do no wrong as long as he keeps
tittilating the art world into conversation. His pastries under glass
evoke one of my favorite questions "Is this art?"

Abramovich at DIA photographed by Alton DuLaney November 2015

The patron saint of performance art, Marina
Abramovich has her token video included in the collection reminding
naysayers "don't cry over spilled milk!"

Brecht at DIA photographed by Alton DuLaney November 2015

And then we have George Brecht with his public service announcement wallpaper: No Smoking. But really, who smokes anymore?

After
spending the whole afternoon at the Detroit Institute of Arts I
concluded that the museum lives up to its image and reputation, as a
world class museum, in what was once a major capital of the US, (and
this determination was arrived at without even seeing thee special
exhibit, 30 Americans - oh well, there is always next time.)

Years ago, a lifetime really, when my great mentor and pen-pal Ernie "Lucky" Johnston was attempting to nurture and further my interest in the Houston art scene, we would go on various field-trips into the city to see exhibits at galleries or meet an artist of note. One such artist that I was introduced to was a saint-like creative named Forrest Prince. An afternoon at his sprawling house and studio involved seeing art, drinking fresh carrot juice, discussing love for humanity, and perhaps a reading assignment.

Years passed as they sometime do, and life unfolds into many different directions, but the path does sometimes lead us back around to intercept the influential or to provide a gentle reminder. Now, back in Houston and once again curious as to the Houston art scene, I pondered aloud if Forrest Prince was still around and making his mark on the work through his art and his philanthropy. That's when I came across one of the books Forrest gave me way back when, and inside was stamped his address and a few positive messages.

Rising to the challenge, I created this small piece of mail-art, embellished with color copies of his own stamped address and messages of peace, I fashioned a splatter painted envelope and note card, affixed two painting-postage stamps, and dashed my message of to Mr. Prince, sealing it with a gold foil embossed seal of ART.

Where in the world is Forrest Prince? Stay tuned for the results of my mail art performance, Finding Forrest Prince.

Friday, October 9, 2015

This past weekend, the Tom Of Finland Foundation hosted its 21st annual
Arts and Culture Fair at the Tom House in Los Angeles. Tom Of Finland,
known as the "world's most famous pornographer", lived and worked out of
a rambling craftsman-style house for the last 20 years of his life. In
the mid 80's he started a foundation to help promote and preserve queer
and erotic art, which included this annual fair, as well as many other
cultural outreach initiatives. What started as a fringe movement has
gradually became mainstream, with Tom Of Finland's work now in the
collection of major art institutions including MOMA, LACMA, MOCA, The
Getty, as well as numerous other private and public collections.

The art fair has grown and evolved over the years, dropping the word
"erotic" and adding the word "culture" and this year featured over 30
artists from around the world.

Alton DuLaney photographs at the TOF Art Fair in Los Angeles October 2015

Among the artists presenting their work were photographers, painters,
sketch artists, filmmakers, writers, performers, and poets - including
the recently appointed Poet Laureate of West Hollywood - Steven Reigns.
Artists exhibited their work within the sprawling compound in tents and
pavilions across the estate and terraces. My space was in the back
pavilion near the main stage, and had a beautiful view out across the
hills of the Hollywood sign.

Alton DuLaney photograph of Michael James at the Tom Of Finland Arts and Culture Fair Oct 2-4, 2015.

The foundation did an excellent job of promoting the event on social
media and in local press. The event started Friday evening with a film
screening, and went throughout the weekend events all day.

One of the artist I was most excited to meet was Gio Black Peter
from NYC. He is an urban artist who got his start painting on subway
maps and other found materials. In 2011 cult director and producer Bruce
La Bruce directed a short video for Gio, helping to propel his career.
Now Gio shows his work across the country, and performs regularly in
clubs and galleries in NYC.

The History of Queer Photography at TOF Arts Fair in LA photographed by Alton DuLaney Oct 2-5, 2015

One of the most captivating exhibits was a history of queer photography
shown in vintage photos and tin types, presented in a beautiful display
case with a magnifying glass provided for a more intimate viewing. This
really felt special and important, and gave a personal face and glimpse
into the lives of pioneering men and women who faced enormous challenges
in expressing their true selves. Picking up the magnifying glass, and
peering into this case, was like looking into the past, providing a
appreciative perspective on the present and even more hope for the
future.

Drawing workshop at TOF Arts Fair in LA Oct 2-4, 2015.

In addition to the exhibiting artists, there was also a drawing
workshop in session both days with live nude models. Artists were
invited to bring their sketchbook and attempt their own masterpiece.

Dungeon performance at TOF Arts Fair in LA October 2-4, 2015.

Performances were also a big part of the fair including endurance
performances in the dungeon, and other entertainers, readers and
speakers on the two stages.

Jordan performing at the TOF Arts Fair in LA Oct 2-4, 2015

Perhaps the most riveting performance was when LA performance artist
Jordan was joined on stage by two men in full leather who assisted with a
'golden shower' scene for the finale of the piece.

The culture element of the festival was perhaps most enlightening as it
showed what a wide influence Tom Of Finland has had on culture over the
decades. There were several authors and publishers on hand, inlcuding
the fetish magazine STARRFUCKER, which drew a large crowd of models and
artists hoping to get published.

Tom Of Finland biography by E. Valentine Hooven III

One author who was great to meet and chat with was E. Valentine Hooven
III who wrote the very first authorized Biography of Tom Of Finland .
Having read this book, and gifted it to many friends, it was a pleasure
to finally meet the man behind the words. He was a kind and generous
speaker who encouraged mentoring among his older peers, and community
outreach among his younger fans.

Rick Castro at the TOF Arts Fair in LA Oct 2-5, 2015

There were also lifetime achievement awards presented to key members of
the arts community including Rick Castro. A lifelong LA resident, Castro
was co-producer and co-director of the cult classic "Hustler White" and
now runs a successful gallery in Hollywood called Antebellum Gallery
which promotes queer/erotic/fetish artists.

TOF Boutique at the TOF Arts Fair in LA Oct 2-4, 2015.

In addition to art, the Tom Of Finland image and brand is also now used
on a wide variety of products, on everything from French perfume to
Finish postage stamps, to Italian rugs, to American condoms, sex toys and lube. Above is a
shot from the TOF boutique, showing just a small selection of the
offerings.

It was a great honor to be a part of the festival, being invited to stay
at the foundation, and seeing the work involved in organizing an event
on this scale. The work starts long before the guests arrive and ends
long after the curtain is drawn. On Monday morning, after three action
packed days, those of us at the foundation were still on site cleaning
up and breaking down. Never one to shy away from getting his hands
dirty, TOFF Founder Durk Dehner shows that the staff at TOFF do whatever
it takes to get the job done.

It was a rewarding and exhausting arts fair for all involved. The
foundation chose 5 of my photographs to add to their archives and warmly
invited me back for future events. After 6 days in LA, I packed my
bags, grabbed my dog Aldo, and headed to the airport for a late flight
back to Texas.

For more info on this or other Tom Of Finland events, check out their
website, sign up for the newsletter, and when in LA, volunteer!